Just then, a staff member who had finished adjusting the big screen lightly cleared his throat and spoke.
"The first match will begin at nine sharp. The two contestants in the first match, please get ready."
He paused, sweeping his gaze across the contestants' area.
"Let me reiterate the rules—one-on-one elimination matches. Losing the ability to battle means defeat. Winners advance to the next round."
"Now, please take a short break. The first match will begin at nine sharp."
After speaking, the staff member turned and left the contestants' area.
Before long, the first match began. Tanaka Bunta's Weavile and Kenta Yamada's Toxicroak engaged in a fierce clash.
Although Weavile held the speed advantage, Toxicroak gradually took control with its Type advantage, ultimately ending the match with a sharp Brick Break.
The following rounds moved quickly. Rika Yuzuki, Ryosuke Onodera, and Yuma Kamiya took the field in succession, each decisively defeating their opponents and advancing smoothly.
Xinhai leaned against the sofa, stroking Eevee's back fur as he watched the matches.
As the thirty-five-to-eighteen elimination rounds proceeded one by one, fewer and fewer people remained in the contestants' area.
"Match thirteen, both contestants, please enter the field."
The referee's voice came from the center of the arena.
Xinhai rose to his feet and gently placed Eevee on the sofa.
"You and Gardevoir wait here. Don't wander off, okay?"
"Eevee!" Eevee nodded hard, its fluffy tail swaying softly behind it.
"Gardevoir!" (Xinhai, good luck!)
Gardevoir glanced at him, a hint of encouragement in her red eyes.
Xinhai smiled and nodded before turning toward the contestants' tunnel.
The instant he stepped out of the tunnel, both the venue lights and countless gazes fell upon him.
Around a hundred people sat in the stands. There were well-dressed VIPs, merchants quietly chatting over drinks, and